After two successful albums, it might have come as a surprise the decision to change the lead vocalist of the band. The former vocalist Paul Di’anno’s talent was quite obvious in songs such as Phantom of The Opera and Wrathchild, but Steve Harris made a very tough decision. A decision which led to the emergence of a band which should be hailed as one of the stalwarts of heavy metal.
Its really amazing how these guys seem to have more number of great albums than many other bands have songs. Even during their lean phase (the Blaze era) they still managed to get a couple of masterpieces. However, that’s getting out of topic.
NoTB is probably the bands first album suitable to be considered the greatest metal album. Over the years, they made many more.
Steve Harris - Bass
Bruce Dickinson - Vocals
Clive Burr - Drums
Adrian Smith - Guitars
Dave Murray - Guitars
Another feature of this album concerning the lineup is one that is always overlooked due to the change of vocalist. This is also the last album in which Clive Burr plays the drums. From the next album onwards (Piece of Mind), Nicko McBrain becomes the Maiden drummer.
- Invaders
An underrated song. I don’t like the chorus very much, but apart from that its very decent. Bruce is simple amazing.
Ratings : 9/10
- Children of The Damned
Not one of the band’s better attempts at a ballad. But even then it is a good enough song.
Ratings : 8/10
- Prisoner
Probably as heavy as it will get in the album. A nice consistent song.
Ratings : 8/10
- 22 Acacia Avenue
Here’s a great piece. All the variations only add up to make it a very complete song.
Ratings : 9/10
- Number of The Beast
A real masterpiece. Features Dave Murray and Bruce Dickinson as their shining self.
Ratings : 10/10
- Run To The Hills
One of the most popular Iron Maiden songs. It has a catchy riff. Its a good song but highly overrated. I mean, its ok to consider it as a personal favourite but to label it as one of the greatest Iron Maiden songs is just a plain insult to the other songs.
Rating : 9/10
- Gangland
Nothing much to complain about this track except that it just isn’t anything special.
Ratings : 7/10
- Total Eclipse
Earlier I used to skip this song in my haste to reach the final song... nowdays I have come to appreciate it more.
Ratings : 8/10
- Hallowed Be Thy Name
Another masterpiece. Arguably their best. Not a single flaw in this song. You just have to hear it to believe it. If this wont convert you to an Iron Maiden fan, nothing will.
Ratings 10/10